I've got an 02 3+, and

I've never had any chaicsuck problems with it unless the drivetrain was really dirty. When I was shopping around, I found the Sugar to feel a lot more plush than the NRS. So, unless you are looking for that hardtail feel, I say go Sugar, but I'm biased.

That damn chainsuck thing again. My 2003 2+ has a nasty scar from the dreaded chainsuck, but that was because I built her up from scratch and put on a used chain with a new crank initially and it was NOT a good match. I have since upgraded my drivetrain to the new 04 xt and there have been NO problems. Try to find a 2003 sugar 2+, always some on ebay for CHEAP! Even some frame only. And then upgrade crank to new XT.

the 04 bikes have an adjustable main bushing that allows for chain line adjustment which causes the chain suck. it comes adjusted from the factory. this bushing can be put on the older models also trek fuels. chain suck so far does not seem to be a problem at all.